Protests across France turned violent on Saturday, October 17, as demonstrations over rising living costs and deteriorating public services were marred by arson, looting and clashes with police. Historic buildings, municipal offices, businesses and police vehicles were among the targets.
One of the worst-hit sites was the historic town hall in Limoges, central France, which was set on fire. The building, inaugurated in 1883, suffered extensive damage, with reports saying its roof collapsed onto the lower floors. Local authorities described the damage as severe, raising concerns over the loss of a significant historic civic structure.
In Marseille, masked protesters forced their way into the city hall and defaced its interiors, while a fire was reported at Lyon’s tourist office. In Paris, vehicles were set ablaze, shops were looted and police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds. Other public buildings and police facilities were also targeted in several cities.
The demonstrations brought together students, trade unions and other groups protesting against the cost of living and conditions in public services, particularly education. France’s Interior Ministry estimated that around 550,000 people took part in marches nationwide, while organisers put the figure at approximately 800,000. Although many demonstrations remained peaceful, violent incidents broke out in several locations.
Authorities reported hundreds of arrests, with figures varying as operations continued. More than 150 police officers were reported injured, while a demonstrator in Saint-Étienne suffered a serious hand injury during clashes involving police crowd-control weapons.
President Emmanuel Macron condemned the violence in a post on X on Saturday.
“There is no place for violence in our Republic,” Macron wrote. He said those who damaged property, attacked government offices and businesses, and looted town halls would be “prosecuted and punished”.
He also expressed support for law enforcement and called for unity against those he said sought to undermine France’s institutions and prevent people from peacefully expressing their demands.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu also condemned the violence, saying the government would not be intimidated and that political demands could not be imposed through violence.